WE LIKE
1. Fun to drive
2. Spacious and practical estate
3. Firm but comfortable ride
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Tight rear headroom on hatch and saloon
2. No high performance MPS model
3. Emissions could be better
The current range of Mazdas is a good-looking line-up - a fact that the manufacturer is keen to play on when it comes to giving any of the models a mid-life polish.
The key changes to the facelifted version of the large family hatchback, the 6, are therefore visual. New swoopy foglight surrounds take away some of the blunt edges of the car's predecessor, and a slightly redesigned grille means that drivers in the know will notice that you're in the latest model.
Mazda has also set to on some of the areas that were highlighted as 'must do better' by the owners of the 6. Tweaks mean that the ride is now marginally better, although this was not something that was a major failing in our eyes anyway. It would have been better to have focussed on dropping the CO2 levels.
While weight has been shed to bring emissions down and improve fuel economy, it is only marginal. Of more benefit have been tweaks to the engine range. The 2.2 diesel is now under 140 g/km of CO2 (at least in 129 bhp form), which makes it pretty competitive.
Two body styles are available: a five-door hatchback and a roomy estate. Both versions have plenty of space for the driver and front seat passenger, and a comfortable driving position with plenty of adjustment. It's a different story in the back. There's plenty of legroom, but the sloping roofline of thehatch steals some headroom. Tall passengers will be more comfortable in the rear seats of the estate.
The hatch both has a generous boot, but the estate is obviously the one to go for if you need to carry lots of kit. There are 519 litres of space with the rear seats upright, and 1751 litres when they're folded. Extending the boot is quick and easy - just tug a lever in the boot and the seats tumble forward to leave a long, wide, load space.
Prices are competitive and Mazda hasn't skimped on the standard kit, especially where safety is concerned. Stability control and six airbags are fitted to all versions.
The 6 remains a very credible alternative to anyone that wants a good looking car that's a little bit different.
Average
User reviews (15)
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david Belsten30 July 2009
I have mazada 626 it has 200,000 miles on it paint work untouched no signs of rust car doesn't miss a beat, only had to buy wiper blades bulbs tyres and petrol for it. Will do birmingham to bristol return for £15.... sometimes make the mistake of turning the ignition key twice coz the engine is so quiet.
Report as inappropriateMaaz15 December 2009
My wife has one of these and the rattles are frustrating.
Report as inappropriateAge Tyrrell08 March 2010
Had my 6 now for 12 months and agree with the likes and dont likes above. Lovely drive and excellent kit level inside (I have the TS2.) Diesel mpg is a little disappointing - 40.2 average. Also watch out for the DPF issues (google it) as Ive needed to take the car back under warranty for it to be regenerated and the dealer tried to charge me £125! On the positives though loads of room in back and a massive boot and looks great!
Report as inappropriateSeriously19 May 2010
Seriously? Fifth Gear, its a Mazda why post pictures of a BMW 5series as an interior picture of the Mazda?
Report as inappropriateSrdjan Bogdanovic24 May 2010
Best car rating by Fifth Gear in "large family car"class,but when you click on best cars by class-diferent story.You are immature.
Report as inappropriateKinetics27 May 2010
Actually it looks more like the interior of BMW X1 than the 5-series, but still, it obviously isn't Mazda's. And more to the point, looks no one from Fifth Gear website bothers reading the comments section!
Report as inappropriateMike Walker19 June 2010
I've had two previous Mazdas, a 626 and old shape 6, which have been superb vehicles but my latest 2009 6 TS2 five door petrol has been a huge disappointment. It is extremely heavy on fuel, seldom exceeding 30mpg, and feels when pushed as though it's being driven with the handbrake on. The auto wipers and lights both have minds of their own coming on in fine, bright conditions but not when its dark or raining. The dealer is unable to identify the problems or correct them. Visibility is poor particularly the very thick A pillars and high boot line. After only 8 months and 3500 miles the final straw is that there is rust coming through from under the paint! This car is to be replaced very soon and Mazda have lost a once loyal and satisfied customer.
Report as inappropriateReactor07 July 2010
Second photo it's not Mazda interior but of BMW on the steering wheel BMW badge.
Report as inappropriateicandoit21 August 2010
I had a Mazda 626 2.0 auto for several years and loved every minute of it. Very reliable but thirsty car. When it came to changing it, I went for an Audi A4. Nice car but not as reliable. In 2002, I opted for a company car and chose the Mazda 6 TS 2.0 auto, which I eventually purchased from the company. I drove it for 8 years and 106,000 faultless miles. I'm sure it will go for another 100.000 miles if looked after. I only decided to change because I fancied the look of the new model. Based on my previous Mazda experience, I decided to purchase the new Mazda 6 Sport auto, which is so much better than my old car. Paid extra for leather seats, which adds that touch of luxury. I am very pleased with the upgraded interior and disagree with most of the write-ups about the interior plastic being inferior. Not any more. I don't believe this car can be beaten as far as value for money is concerned. The level of standard options on this car are amazing. I particularly like the keyless operation. As long as you have the fob, you just touch the door handle and the car unlocks. Slide into the seat, apply the foot brake and press the starter button and away you go. Nice touch. The Bose sound system is also fantastic. So far I am very pleased with my purchase.
Report as inappropriateSignman17 December 2010
Got my 2.0 petrol TS on contract hire in April 2010 as only trim for auto unless I got the Sport and waited 3 months. I cover 25k miles pa and already have done 15k wonderful miles in this good looking and well put together car. The steering and ride is so much better than my old Vectra (being a Vauxhall man for 20 years I now know how a good chassis makes a lot of difference). Bags of rear legroom for my aging parents and lanky son, a huge boot area and nice wide front seats for my wife's large behind made this first choice over the Insignia, Avensis or Mondeo when leasing costs were considered. Would have liked more bells and whistles as per the TS2 trim, but no auto option which I prefer. They have 3 diesel set ups but no auto box for those.....hopefully an option when my current contract ceases, if not I'll look at the Skoda Superb Estate.
Report as inappropriatenick28 December 2010
Why would u have a BMW pic in a Mazda profile
Report as inappropriateAnonymous08 January 2011
Yeah, someone there at FIVE has got muddled up and accidently popped an picture of a BMW 5's interior instead of the picture of the Mazda 6's interior. The 6 has poor fuel economy, because it is really just a Mondeo under the skin, which means it's a heavy car for an average engine to haul about. Only choose one of these cars, if you want a car that has a diesel engine, swap it's paper air filter for a K&N filter, buy an express chip for it and keep it on the most economical setting. At least you will get more from the performance this way, without sacrificing economy
Report as inappropriatejmvargas19 November 2011
Why is the pic of the dash a bmw's?
Report as inappropriatePaul Dykes27 January 2012
I have owned my Mazda6 sport 2.2 diesel since September 2010 and I am very please with it. I agree with the point of head room when getting in or out of it. I have got 23,500 miles on the clock now and I am getting 57 miles to the gallon but I would like to know what the optimum speed to get the best miles to gallon. Anyone know? I do think the style of this car is superb. Looking forward to many more miles of great driving.
Report as inappropriateBrett27 January 2012
Hi Paul, I've last week bought a March 2010 (10 plate) 2.2D Sport Mazda6, so think it's exactly the same as yours i.e. 185bhp instead of 60 plate which has 180bhp but fractionally better fuel economy. I'm going to have to monitor my fuel closely because I was happy with the quoted 50.4mpg combined (I do a lot of motorway driving so expected to get more towards the extra urban 60mpg) but since having it I reckon I'm only getting about 40mpg! I set the cruise between 70-80mph, so not like I'm tanking it! What speeds are you driving at? It's encouraging to hear that yours can achieve 57mpg, concerning that mine's going to get nowhere near that! Do you take the car dash average mpg reading for granted or do you double-check it against the gallons going in at the pump and full tank trip? I agree with you though, I think it's a really smart looking car for the money. A lot of kit for your money! My early question marks, none of which I'll lose sleep over - radio reception isn't great, air con could be improved and auto wipers do go off on from time to time, usually fine drizzle but I driven other cars with auto sensors incl BMW and they all do the same at times. Other than that, it there's any other car out there similar spec but better value for money, then I've missed it!
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